Intramural 4v4 Flag Football Rules
Intramural 4v4 Flag Football Rules Any rule not specifically covered will be governed in accordance with the NIRSA Flag and Touch Football Rules Books and Official’s Manual. Modifications have been made to suit the Southern Illinois University Competitive Sports program.
Rule 1: Eligibility A participant may be a Southern Illinois University student taking a minimum of four credit hours. The Department of Recreational Sports and Services defines a student as any individual who is currently enrolled at SIU and is registered with the university registrar. Students taking four or more credit hours automatically pay the Recreational Sports student fee and therefore, do not need to purchase a membership. The following people are eligible to participate after acquiring the appropriate Recreational Sports membership for the semester in which they intend to participate: • Southern Illinois University student taking less than four credit hours • Spouse of a student or a faculty or staff member • Faculty or staff member of SIU. The Department of Recreational Sports and Services defines faculty and staff as all current faculty and staff, as well as visiting professors at SIU who are paid through the university payroll department. • Affiliate of the department (alumni, other recognized affiliate groups) To participate in any intramural activity, all participants must show a valid Southern Illinois University issued identification card. Acceptable identification cards are limited to SIU identification cards, and Recreational Center membership cards. An SIU ID card/DawgTag must include the following information and be clearly visible to be considered valid: the individual’s name, photograph, and identification number. Identification cards that do not have one or more of these requirements will not be accepted and the individual will not be allowed to play. Misuse of an identification card (borrowing, lending, counterfeiting, altering, etc) is a violation of the Southern Illinois University Student Code of Conduct. The identification card will be confiscated and the individual attempting to use the card will be ineligible to participate. If the card belongs to another student, that student must meet with a professional staff member to regain possession of their identification card.
Rule 2: Equipment • • • • • •
Jewelry is not allowed. Medical or religious medallions must be removed, taped, or sewn under the uniform. A head sweatband is permitted; however, hats, and bandanas are not permitted. Rubber, cloth, or elastic bands may be used to control hair. Hard items such as beads, barrettes, and bobby pins are not permitted. A guard, cast, or brace made of hard and unyielding leather, plaster, pliable plastic, metal, or any other hard substance, even though covered with foam padding, is not permitted on the finger, hand, wrist, forearm, or elbow. Knee and ankle braces that are unaltered from the manufacturer’s original design/production shall be permitted and do not require additional padding. Knee and ankle braces that are altered from the manufacturer’s original design/production shall be permitted as long as they are soft and yielding or all exposed metal and other hard parts are padded with at least ½-inch foam rubber (or ¼ inch closed cell, slow recovery foam rubber).
Southern Illinois University – Competitive Sports
Rule 3: Team Captain Responsibilities • • • • • • •
Ensure their team members follow all eligibility requirements. Team captains are also advised to seek clarification on special eligibility requirements, if necessary. Responsible for communicating game time, location, and ID policy to teammates. Ensure teammates have a valid Southern Illinois University ID at game time to check in. Representing the team and communicating with the officials. The captain is the only player permitted to discuss the game with officials. Ensure good team sportsmanship among teammates. Return any rented equipment from the intramural sports department. Cooperating with the intramural supervisors at the game site concerning any protests, incidents, or accidents that may occur as well as with the intramural sports staff the day following such occurrences.
Rule 4: Play Start of Game The captain winning the toss shall select offense, defense, direction, or defer their choice to the second half. Timing • The game shall consist of two 15-minute halves. • The clock will start on the snap to begin each half. It will run continuously for the first 14 minutes unless stopped by a team’s or referee’s time-out. • Approximately one minute before the end of each half the referee shall stop the clock and inform both captains of the playing time remaining in the half. The clock starts on the snap. • Each team is entitled to two time-outs per game, including overtime. • In the case of a tiebreaker for playoffs, each team will attempt to score by passing from the threeyard line for one point or from the 10-yard line for two points or from the 20-yard line for three points. If the defense intercepts a pass or fumble, the attempt is over. Regular season games will end in a tie. Scoring Breaking the vertical plane of the goal line with the football will score a touchdown. Each touchdown will be worth six points. A team may go for one point from the three-yard line, two points from the ten-yard line, or three points from the twenty-yard line. Mercy Rule There is no mercy rule. The Field The field measures 40 yards in length, goal line to goal line, and 30 yards in width. There shall be one inbounds line (hash mark) dividing the field into halves. Putting the Ball in Play The ball shall be placed at the Team A 10-yard line to begin each half of a game and following a try, touchback or safety, unless moved by penalty. Note: There are no kicks. Play • A team shall have three consecutive downs to advance the ball to the next zone by scrimmage. • A new series of downs is awarded when a team moves the ball legally into the next zone or the opponent obtains possession of the ball by penalty, pass interception, or failure to advance to the next zone. • The offensive team must have at least one player on their scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange) at the snap. Southern Illinois University – Competitive Sports
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A Team A runner cannot advance the ball through Team A’s scrimmage line (first ball spotterorange). There are not restrictions after a change of possession or once a legal forward pass has been touched beyond Team A’s scrimmage line. There must be a legal forward pass each down. The receiver must touch the ball beyond Team A’s scrimmage line. Team A has 5 seconds to release the ball on a forward pass. If not, it is a loss of down and the ball is next snapped at the previous spot. The referee will sound his/her whistle at five seconds if the passer has possession of the football. Team B is not permitted to cross the scrimmage line until the forward pass is released. The play clock shall be 25 seconds in length. The ball will become dead immediately upon contact with any netting or post (ceiling or side). • All 10-yard penalties are five yards and all five-yard penalties are three yards.
Rule 5: Co-Rec Modifications • • •
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Each team shall consist of two men and two women. A game may begin with two men and one woman or one man and two women. A female touchdown shall be worth nine points. The first play of every series will be an open play; therefore, any player may pass the ball to any player. If a play consists of a completed forward pass from a male quarterback to a male receiver, the next play will be closed. In order to open the play, a female must either throw or catch a legal forward pass for positive yardage. Mercy Rule: There is no mercy rule
Rule 6: Forfeits/Defaults Forfeit Policy : • Not Ready for Play at Game Time: The team ready for play gets the ball to start the game AND choice at the start of the second half. • Five Minutes Late: The team ready for play begins the game with a touchdown (in Co-Rec they will be awarded a female touchdown) and three-point conversion. The late team will start their first series from their own 14-yard line. • 10 Minutes Late: Forfeit, recorded as 9-0 (CoRec 12-0) and the forfeiting team will receive an “F” for its sportsmanship rating. • If neither team is ready to play by game time, but they are ready less than 10 minutes past the scheduled start time, the teams will be permitted to play. However, the clock will be started at game time There are three situations that will result in a forfeit: • Not Enough Players: Team does not have the required number of players to participate by 10 minutes after the scheduled game time. • Eligibility: One or more of the players participating is ineligible and therefore may not participate. Ineligibility may be due to the player being a roster violator, being previously ejected, ruled ineligible for sportsmanship- related issues, etc. • Sportsmanship: Game is ended by staff for sportsmanship-related issues. Any team knowing in advance that they will be unable to play a regularly scheduled contest is provided the opportunity to default the contest. This will result in the team receiving a loss for the contest, but will still be eligible for playoffs. To receive a default, the captain must call the Competitive Sports Office by 4 p.m. on the day of the contest with their request. For teams playing on Sunday, the deadline is Friday at 4 p.m. The office will contact the opposing team to let them know they do not need to arrive for their scheduled contest. If a team has been granted a default and the contest is then canceled due to weather or scheduling Southern Illinois University – Competitive Sports
issues, the default will be removed and the contest will be played normally if it is rescheduled.
Rule 7: Protests Rules Protest The intramural supervisor must address questions pertaining to interpretation of rules on the part of game officials at the time the interpretation occurs and prior to the next live ball. The procedure shall be: 1. If a team feels the official has made a misinterpretation of a rule, the captain shall calmly and immediately request a “time out” and inform the official that he or she wishes to have a ruling on the interpretation by the intramural supervisor in charge. 2. No protest that involves the judgment of the official(s) shall be upheld. The judgment of the official(s) is final. This also includes intramural staff when necessary. 3. If corrections are necessary, the intramural supervisor shall rule immediately and the team shall not be charged with a time out; however, if the official’s interpretation was correct, the team will be charged with a time out. 4. If the participant still does not agree with the decision at the game site, a Protest Form should be obtained from the intramural supervisor on site and completed. The contest will continue from this point “under protest.” Eligibility Protest Protests involving player eligibility must be called to the immediate attention of the intramural supervisor prior to the completion of the contest while the protested individual is present. Participants may not make eligibility protests after the completion of the contest. A Protest Form should be obtained from the Intramural Supervisor and completed. The contest will continue from this point “under protest.” The Competitive Sports office reserves the right to investigate the eligibility of any participant at any point of the season.
Rule 8: Sportsmanship The team captain is responsible for the actions of his or her team and their spectators. Additionally, the captain will ensure that his or her team is familiar with the rules of play and intramural policies and procedures contained in this handbook. Sportsmanship is a vital component for success in every intramural contest. Participants and spectators are expected to display good sportsmanship toward opponents and the intramural staff at all times. Unsportsmanlike Conduct Participants and spectators shall not commit acts of unsportsmanlike conduct. This includes, but is not limited to, arguments with staff, flagrant fouling, fighting, etc. before, during, or after a contest. No player or team shall: • Use foul or derogatory language, threaten, or verbally abuse any other participant or intramural employee before, during, or after the game. • Participate in a game for which he or she is ineligible. • Belligerently argue with the intramural staff. Only the captain should address an official, and only if done so in a courteous manner. • Intentionally strike, push, trip, or flagrantly foul another participant, spectator, or Recreational Sports and Services employee. • Mistreat the facility, equipment, or supplies of the Southern Illinois University and/or the Recreational Sports and Services Department. Disciplinary Action Any player receiving two conduct warnings in one game or ejected from a game is required to meet with professional staff. The player will be suspended from ALL Recreational Sports facilities and programs until the meeting occurs and for a minimum of 7 days from the time of the meeting. Southern Illinois University – Competitive Sports
For any questions or clarifications, contact the SIU Competitive Sports Office at (618) 453-1273
Southern Illinois University – Competitive Sports
Rule 1: Eligibility A participant may be a Southern Illinois University student taking a minimum of four credit hours. The Department of Recreational Sports and Services defines a student as any individual who is currently enrolled at SIU and is registered with the university registrar. Students taking four or more credit hours automatically pay the Recreational Sports student fee and therefore, do not need to purchase a membership. The following people are eligible to participate after acquiring the appropriate Recreational Sports membership for the semester in which they intend to participate: • Southern Illinois University student taking less than four credit hours • Spouse of a student or a faculty or staff member • Faculty or staff member of SIU. The Department of Recreational Sports and Services defines faculty and staff as all current faculty and staff, as well as visiting professors at SIU who are paid through the university payroll department. • Affiliate of the department (alumni, other recognized affiliate groups) To participate in any intramural activity, all participants must show a valid Southern Illinois University issued identification card. Acceptable identification cards are limited to SIU identification cards, and Recreational Center membership cards. An SIU ID card/DawgTag must include the following information and be clearly visible to be considered valid: the individual’s name, photograph, and identification number. Identification cards that do not have one or more of these requirements will not be accepted and the individual will not be allowed to play. Misuse of an identification card (borrowing, lending, counterfeiting, altering, etc) is a violation of the Southern Illinois University Student Code of Conduct. The identification card will be confiscated and the individual attempting to use the card will be ineligible to participate. If the card belongs to another student, that student must meet with a professional staff member to regain possession of their identification card.
Rule 2: Equipment • • • • • •
Jewelry is not allowed. Medical or religious medallions must be removed, taped, or sewn under the uniform. A head sweatband is permitted; however, hats, and bandanas are not permitted. Rubber, cloth, or elastic bands may be used to control hair. Hard items such as beads, barrettes, and bobby pins are not permitted. A guard, cast, or brace made of hard and unyielding leather, plaster, pliable plastic, metal, or any other hard substance, even though covered with foam padding, is not permitted on the finger, hand, wrist, forearm, or elbow. Knee and ankle braces that are unaltered from the manufacturer’s original design/production shall be permitted and do not require additional padding. Knee and ankle braces that are altered from the manufacturer’s original design/production shall be permitted as long as they are soft and yielding or all exposed metal and other hard parts are padded with at least ½-inch foam rubber (or ¼ inch closed cell, slow recovery foam rubber).
Southern Illinois University – Competitive Sports
Rule 3: Team Captain Responsibilities • • • • • • •
Ensure their team members follow all eligibility requirements. Team captains are also advised to seek clarification on special eligibility requirements, if necessary. Responsible for communicating game time, location, and ID policy to teammates. Ensure teammates have a valid Southern Illinois University ID at game time to check in. Representing the team and communicating with the officials. The captain is the only player permitted to discuss the game with officials. Ensure good team sportsmanship among teammates. Return any rented equipment from the intramural sports department. Cooperating with the intramural supervisors at the game site concerning any protests, incidents, or accidents that may occur as well as with the intramural sports staff the day following such occurrences.
Rule 4: Play Start of Game The captain winning the toss shall select offense, defense, direction, or defer their choice to the second half. Timing • The game shall consist of two 15-minute halves. • The clock will start on the snap to begin each half. It will run continuously for the first 14 minutes unless stopped by a team’s or referee’s time-out. • Approximately one minute before the end of each half the referee shall stop the clock and inform both captains of the playing time remaining in the half. The clock starts on the snap. • Each team is entitled to two time-outs per game, including overtime. • In the case of a tiebreaker for playoffs, each team will attempt to score by passing from the threeyard line for one point or from the 10-yard line for two points or from the 20-yard line for three points. If the defense intercepts a pass or fumble, the attempt is over. Regular season games will end in a tie. Scoring Breaking the vertical plane of the goal line with the football will score a touchdown. Each touchdown will be worth six points. A team may go for one point from the three-yard line, two points from the ten-yard line, or three points from the twenty-yard line. Mercy Rule There is no mercy rule. The Field The field measures 40 yards in length, goal line to goal line, and 30 yards in width. There shall be one inbounds line (hash mark) dividing the field into halves. Putting the Ball in Play The ball shall be placed at the Team A 10-yard line to begin each half of a game and following a try, touchback or safety, unless moved by penalty. Note: There are no kicks. Play • A team shall have three consecutive downs to advance the ball to the next zone by scrimmage. • A new series of downs is awarded when a team moves the ball legally into the next zone or the opponent obtains possession of the ball by penalty, pass interception, or failure to advance to the next zone. • The offensive team must have at least one player on their scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange) at the snap. Southern Illinois University – Competitive Sports
• •
• • •
A Team A runner cannot advance the ball through Team A’s scrimmage line (first ball spotterorange). There are not restrictions after a change of possession or once a legal forward pass has been touched beyond Team A’s scrimmage line. There must be a legal forward pass each down. The receiver must touch the ball beyond Team A’s scrimmage line. Team A has 5 seconds to release the ball on a forward pass. If not, it is a loss of down and the ball is next snapped at the previous spot. The referee will sound his/her whistle at five seconds if the passer has possession of the football. Team B is not permitted to cross the scrimmage line until the forward pass is released. The play clock shall be 25 seconds in length. The ball will become dead immediately upon contact with any netting or post (ceiling or side). • All 10-yard penalties are five yards and all five-yard penalties are three yards.
Rule 5: Co-Rec Modifications • • •
•
Each team shall consist of two men and two women. A game may begin with two men and one woman or one man and two women. A female touchdown shall be worth nine points. The first play of every series will be an open play; therefore, any player may pass the ball to any player. If a play consists of a completed forward pass from a male quarterback to a male receiver, the next play will be closed. In order to open the play, a female must either throw or catch a legal forward pass for positive yardage. Mercy Rule: There is no mercy rule
Rule 6: Forfeits/Defaults Forfeit Policy : • Not Ready for Play at Game Time: The team ready for play gets the ball to start the game AND choice at the start of the second half. • Five Minutes Late: The team ready for play begins the game with a touchdown (in Co-Rec they will be awarded a female touchdown) and three-point conversion. The late team will start their first series from their own 14-yard line. • 10 Minutes Late: Forfeit, recorded as 9-0 (CoRec 12-0) and the forfeiting team will receive an “F” for its sportsmanship rating. • If neither team is ready to play by game time, but they are ready less than 10 minutes past the scheduled start time, the teams will be permitted to play. However, the clock will be started at game time There are three situations that will result in a forfeit: • Not Enough Players: Team does not have the required number of players to participate by 10 minutes after the scheduled game time. • Eligibility: One or more of the players participating is ineligible and therefore may not participate. Ineligibility may be due to the player being a roster violator, being previously ejected, ruled ineligible for sportsmanship- related issues, etc. • Sportsmanship: Game is ended by staff for sportsmanship-related issues. Any team knowing in advance that they will be unable to play a regularly scheduled contest is provided the opportunity to default the contest. This will result in the team receiving a loss for the contest, but will still be eligible for playoffs. To receive a default, the captain must call the Competitive Sports Office by 4 p.m. on the day of the contest with their request. For teams playing on Sunday, the deadline is Friday at 4 p.m. The office will contact the opposing team to let them know they do not need to arrive for their scheduled contest. If a team has been granted a default and the contest is then canceled due to weather or scheduling Southern Illinois University – Competitive Sports
issues, the default will be removed and the contest will be played normally if it is rescheduled.
Rule 7: Protests Rules Protest The intramural supervisor must address questions pertaining to interpretation of rules on the part of game officials at the time the interpretation occurs and prior to the next live ball. The procedure shall be: 1. If a team feels the official has made a misinterpretation of a rule, the captain shall calmly and immediately request a “time out” and inform the official that he or she wishes to have a ruling on the interpretation by the intramural supervisor in charge. 2. No protest that involves the judgment of the official(s) shall be upheld. The judgment of the official(s) is final. This also includes intramural staff when necessary. 3. If corrections are necessary, the intramural supervisor shall rule immediately and the team shall not be charged with a time out; however, if the official’s interpretation was correct, the team will be charged with a time out. 4. If the participant still does not agree with the decision at the game site, a Protest Form should be obtained from the intramural supervisor on site and completed. The contest will continue from this point “under protest.” Eligibility Protest Protests involving player eligibility must be called to the immediate attention of the intramural supervisor prior to the completion of the contest while the protested individual is present. Participants may not make eligibility protests after the completion of the contest. A Protest Form should be obtained from the Intramural Supervisor and completed. The contest will continue from this point “under protest.” The Competitive Sports office reserves the right to investigate the eligibility of any participant at any point of the season.
Rule 8: Sportsmanship The team captain is responsible for the actions of his or her team and their spectators. Additionally, the captain will ensure that his or her team is familiar with the rules of play and intramural policies and procedures contained in this handbook. Sportsmanship is a vital component for success in every intramural contest. Participants and spectators are expected to display good sportsmanship toward opponents and the intramural staff at all times. Unsportsmanlike Conduct Participants and spectators shall not commit acts of unsportsmanlike conduct. This includes, but is not limited to, arguments with staff, flagrant fouling, fighting, etc. before, during, or after a contest. No player or team shall: • Use foul or derogatory language, threaten, or verbally abuse any other participant or intramural employee before, during, or after the game. • Participate in a game for which he or she is ineligible. • Belligerently argue with the intramural staff. Only the captain should address an official, and only if done so in a courteous manner. • Intentionally strike, push, trip, or flagrantly foul another participant, spectator, or Recreational Sports and Services employee. • Mistreat the facility, equipment, or supplies of the Southern Illinois University and/or the Recreational Sports and Services Department. Disciplinary Action Any player receiving two conduct warnings in one game or ejected from a game is required to meet with professional staff. The player will be suspended from ALL Recreational Sports facilities and programs until the meeting occurs and for a minimum of 7 days from the time of the meeting. Southern Illinois University – Competitive Sports
For any questions or clarifications, contact the SIU Competitive Sports Office at (618) 453-1273
Southern Illinois University – Competitive Sports
